Summary

Release Year: 2017
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developers: Cyanide Studio
Publishers: Focus Entertainment

Styx: Shards of Darkness (2017) Review

Embark on a Stealthy Adventure with Styx: Shards of Darkness

Styx: Shards of Darkness is a stealth action-adventure game developed by Cyanide Studio and published by Focus Home Interactive. It was released on March 7, 2017, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The game is a sequel to Styx: Master of Shadows, and follows the titular Styx, a goblin assassin, on a new adventure to retrieve a powerful artifact known as the Heart of Darkness.

Gameplay

Styx: Shards of Darkness is a third-person stealth game that emphasizes verticality and exploration. Players control Styx, who has a variety of abilities that allow him to navigate the environment and avoid detection. These abilities include the ability to climb walls, grapple across gaps, and use his trusty knife as a zip-wire.

Styx can also use a variety of weapons and gadgets to take down his enemies. These include a crossbow, throwing knives, and a variety of traps. Players must carefully consider their approach to each encounter, as Styx is easily overwhelmed if he is detected.

The game features a variety of environments, from dark and oppressive dungeons to lush and vibrant forests. Each environment offers its own unique challenges and opportunities for stealth.

Story

Styx: Shards of Darkness follows Styx on a new adventure to retrieve the Heart of Darkness, a powerful artifact that is said to be able to control the minds of men. Styx is hired by a mysterious organization to steal the artifact from the clutches of a powerful warlord.

Along the way, Styx must navigate a treacherous world filled with danger and betrayal. He must also confront his own inner demons, as the Heart of Darkness threatens to corrupt his soul.

Reception

Styx: Shards of Darkness received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its stealth mechanics, level design, and atmosphere. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive.

Overall

Styx: Shards of Darkness is a solid stealth action-adventure game that offers a unique and challenging experience. The game’s stealth mechanics are top-notch, and the level design is excellent. However, the game can be difficult at times, and some players may find it to be too repetitive.

Score: 8/10

Pros:

Excellent stealth mechanics
Well-designed levels
Atmospheric and immersive world
Challenging gameplay

Cons:

Can be difficult at times
Repetitive at times

Styx: Shards of Darkness: A Deeper Dive

Stealth Mechanics

Styx: Shards of Darkness features some of the best stealth mechanics in the genre. Styx is a master of stealth, and he has a variety of abilities that allow him to navigate the environment and avoid detection. These abilities include:

Climbing: Styx can climb walls and other surfaces, allowing him to reach areas that are inaccessible to other characters.
Grappling: Styx can use his grappling hook to cross gaps and reach high ledges.
Zip-lining: Styx can use his knife as a zip-wire, allowing him to quickly traverse long distances.

In addition to these abilities, Styx can also use a variety of environmental objects to his advantage. He can hide in shadows, use objects to create distractions, and even use his environment to kill his enemies.

Level Design

The levels in Styx: Shards of Darkness are well-designed and offer a variety of challenges. The levels are large and open-ended, giving players the freedom to explore and find their own way through. The levels are also vertical, which adds an extra layer of challenge to the stealth gameplay.

Atmosphere and Immersion

Styx: Shards of Darkness has a dark and atmospheric world that is both immersive and believable. The game’s environments are detailed and well-rendered, and the sound design is excellent. The game’s voice acting is also top-notch, with Styx being voiced by the talented Elias Toufexis.

Challenging Gameplay

Styx: Shards of Darkness is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The game’s difficulty comes from the fact that Styx is easily overwhelmed if he is detected. Players must carefully plan their approach to each encounter, and they must be prepared to adapt to the changing circumstances.

Replayability

Styx: Shards of Darkness offers a high level of replayability. The game’s levels are large and open-ended, and there are multiple ways to complete each level. The game also features a variety of difficulty settings, so players can tailor the experience to their own skill level.

Conclusion

Styx: Shards of Darkness is a solid stealth action-adventure game that offers a unique and challenging experience. The game’s stealth mechanics are top-notch, the level design is excellent, and the atmosphere is immersive. However, the game can be difficult at times, and some players may find it to be too repetitive. Overall, Styx: Shards of Darkness is a worthwhile experience for fans of stealth games.

Review Score

8/10

Styx: Shards of Darkness (2017)